Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

Definition

DNA is a molecule that contains the instructions an organism needs to develop, live, and reproduce. It is made up of two long strands forming a double helix carrying genetic information.

Related terms

Gene:

A segment of DNA that contains the code for producing specific proteins, functioning as units of heredity.

Chromosome:

A long, organized structure of DNA and protein found in cells that holds many genes.

Nucleotide: The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base